RESEARCH ETHICS PROCEDURES

Transcription

1 LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS PROCEDURES December

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3 RESEARCH ETHICS PROCEDURES Acknowledgments The 2012 review of the Policy and Procedures for Research Ethics at the University drew heavily on a number of publically available sources, with many contributions from these sources incorporated with aspects of the previous policy and procedures to produce the University s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures: King s College London, Economic & Social Research Council Framework for Research Ethics, National Children s Bureau (research section), NHS Health Research Authority, 1 August 2012 Last updated 8 December 2016 Abbreviations used DoS LREC URESC Director of Studies Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator University Research Ethics Sub-committee Research Supervisor and Director of Studies Where Research Supervisor is used in this document, this would also refer to the Director of Studies for research students. December 2016 update This updated document reflects the changes from Faculty to School oversight in the research ethics processes in , as Faculty Research Ethics Committees ceased to exist from 1 September These Procedures describe the new process of review by a School level research ethics group, however, if your School does not have a such a group, please follow your individual School s guidance.

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5 RESEARCH ETHICS PROCEDURES CONTENTS 1. WHICH RESEARCH PROJECTS NEED ETHICAL APPROVAL? RESEARCH ETHICS APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS AND DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ETHICAL APPROVAL WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AND WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF STUDENTS AND STAFF? THE RESEARCHER RESEARCH SUPERVISORS RESEARCH MODULE LEADERS LOCAL RESEARCH ETHICS CO-ORDINATORS SCHOOL LEVEL GROUP WHAT HAPPENS IF DATA COLLECTION IS CARRIED OUT WITHOUT ETHICAL APPROVAL FOR THE PROJECT? STUDENTS STAFF HOW DO I APPLY FOR ETHICAL APPROVAL? OUTCOMES FROM COMPLETION OF THE RISK CHECKLIST WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION? MAKING CHANGES TO APPROVED STUDIES RESEARCH ETHICS PROTOCOLS LEARNED SOCIETIES INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY COVER RISK ASSESSMENTS SUMMARY OF THE ETHICAL APPROVAL PROCESS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF APPLICATIONS... 9 GUIDANCE APPENDICES...11 A. DATA SECURITY, RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND DATA RETENTION...12 B. RESEARCH WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE...14 C. RESEARCH THAT MAY CAUSE PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES...15 D. RESEARCH THAT INVOLVES INTRUSIVE OR INVASIVE PROCEDURES...16 E. LOCATION OF RESEARCH...17 F. RESEARCH, AUDIT, SERVICE EVALUATIONS AND SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS AND ETHICAL APPROVAL...18 G. HEALTH RESEARCH AUTHORITY / NHS RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEES...19 H. SECURITY-SENSITIVE RESEARCH...20 I. GUIDANCE FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION...21 J. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION GUIDANCE...34

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7 1. Which research projects need ethical approval? All research projects, including undergraduate major independent study projects at level 6, postgraduate projects, and staff projects, however straightforward, must be submitted for review and be approved prior to data collection. All staff and students of the University who wish to undertake a research project involving human participants (i.e., research with or about people) must obtain ethical approval before commencing their research. Studies involving further analysis of existing data may require ethical approval, depending on whether or not the nature of the data are sensitive or if individuals can be identified from the research. Please see the specific guidance appendix detailing when ethical approval is required for research studies involving further analysis of pre-existing data. Audits or service evaluations will normally require ethical approval. Please see the specific guidance appendix on such studies. 2. Research ethics application process The online research ethics application system is available on these links. Students: Staff: This Procedures document includes: An overview of the process of ethical submission, review and approval. The Risk Checklist and the ethical questions in the application process, together with guidance on completion of the questions. 3. Overview of the process and different levels of ethical approval There are different levels of approval for staff and students whose research projects require ethics approval by the: Research Supervisor or Director of Studies ( Supervisor approval ) Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator (LREC) ( Local level approval ) School level approval University Research Ethics Sub-Committee (URESC) ( University level approval ) The level of approval required is dictated by the level of risk associated with the proposed research project. All staff and students undertaking research within or on behalf of the University are therefore required to complete the Risk Checklist to establish the risk level of the project. Once the level of risk is determined, researchers may also be required to provide more information the online system will guide applicants through this process. The Research Ethics Policy and relevant sections of the Research Ethics Procedures must be read before submission of an application and you will need to confirm you have done this and that you agree to adhere to the University s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures before the online system allows an application to be submitted. In addition to ethical approval from the University, researchers may require other ethical approval depending on the type of project, e.g.: Researchers may be required to comply with ethical requirements from other bodies external to the University, such as the Health Research Authority and NHS Research Ethics Committees. See the guidance appendix on projects falling under the remit of these committees. 1

8 If the research is being undertaken outside of the UK, approval from a committee within the host country may be required. For collaborative research, researchers should also check whether they need additional ethical approval such as approval from a collaborator s own university or organisation. 4. What do I need to do and what are the roles of students and staff? 4.1 The Researcher The researcher (student or staff member) is responsible for the following: Prior to commencing the research project: Ensuring they discuss the project with their Research Supervisor or Director of Studies if they are a student and with an LREC if they are staff, prior to seeking ethical approval; Completing the application for approval; Ensuring compliance with any other and/or additional requirements (such as those defined by the NHS, the law of the country within which the research is taking place, research collaborator(s) or any other relevant organisation or body); Obtaining ethical approval before any data collection commences for the project. Throughout the research/research project: Operating in an ethical manner with due regard to the ethical considerations and challenges relevant to the research project; Operating within the provisions of the ethical approval granted; Ensuring that where the scope of the research project changes, that such changes are discussed with their Supervisor (for students) or LREC (for staff) to ensure the ethical approval they have been granted remains appropriate. Following completion of the research: Ensuring data is stored securely and retained/destroyed in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the University s Records Retention Schedule; Ensuring dissemination of the findings is appropriate in terms of anonymity and confidentiality. 4.2 Research Supervisors All student research projects should be discussed with the Research Supervisor or Director of Studies prior to submission for ethical approval. A formal application is then made to the Supervisor with the submission of the project s details for ethical approval. All Research Supervisors have the appropriate experience and expertise to effectively supervise students to successful completion according to the level of their programme of study or course and will be familiar with the policy and procedures for gaining ethical approval for projects. 4.3 Research module leaders Research module leaders will advise students on the ethical approval processes and deadlines for obtaining approval, will monitor the ethical decisions made for a cohort, and will advise on the penalties for carrying out research without ethical approval in the research module handbooks. 4.4 Local Research Ethics Co-ordinators LRECs are academic staff who have experience and expertise in reviewing submissions for ethical approval. They do this as representatives of the School level group, for research that is low risk in their specific area of expertise and they usually sit on their School level group to jointly consider higher risk, more complex submissions. 2

9 4.5 School level Group Each School normally has a research ethics review group and a number of designated LRECs who are members of the group. The names of these groups vary across schools. Applications for ethical approval for higher risk, more complex research projects are considered by these groups. Applicants (and their Supervisors for student applicants) may be invited to meet the Group when the application is considered to discuss aspects of their submission to help the Group reach an appropriate decision in a timely fashion, and to assist applicants in their understanding of the Group s view of their submission. If a student and Supervisor are from different Schools then the procedures for the student s School should normally be followed. If your school does not have a School level group, please follow your School s guidance. 5. What happens if data collection is carried out without ethical approval for the project? 5.1 Students Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, whether intentional or unintentional, is a matter of academic judgement and may be considered to be unfair practice. Examples of unfair practice include, but are not limited to, non-compliance with the University s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures, failure to gain ethical approval for relevant submitted work, cheating, plagiarism, selfplagiarism, collusion, ghostwriting and falsification of data. Definitions of these offences and the serious consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section 2.9: Academic Integrity: Staff Staff who do not obtain appropriate ethical approval for their research may not be allowed to publish their research and may be subject to the University s staff disciplinary processes: see Policy & Procedures for Investigating Allegations of Misconduct in Research. 6. How do I apply for ethical approval? The researcher (student or staff member) who is conducting the project must apply online. All applications from students and staff begin with completion of the Risk Checklist and the resulting questions. The online system guides applicants through the process. This Procedures document includes an overview of the process of ethical submission, review and approval. The Guidance section on the Risk Checklist, together with the Research Ethics Policy and Procedures, must be read before completion of the Checklist and submission for ethical approval and you will be required to tick a box in the application to confirm you have done this and that you agree to abide by the University s Research Ethics Policy and Procedures. 7. Outcomes from completion of the Risk Checklist The first part of the application process is completion of the Risk Checklist. Depending on the answers, the project will be provisionally classified as Risk Category 1, 2 or 3. The online system will guide you through the process and the appropriate section to complete. 3

10 Category Student applicants Staff applicants Risk Category 1 Risk Category 2 If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 1, your Research Supervisor (or Director of Studies) can normally give approval for the project. If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 2, your Supervisor (or Director of Studies) can recommend approval for your study by the LREC. If your study has been classified as Risk Category 1, you do not need ethical approval for the project. If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 2, your project will be considered for ethical approval by the LREC. Risk Category 3 Your Supervisor may disagree with your assessment and ask you to make revisions or reject your application. When the Research Supervisor is happy to recommend the application for approval, they will send the forms to the LREC. The LREC will review your project and then decide to approve it, ask for revisions, reject it or pass it on for review by the School level group. Postgraduate Research Students If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 3, your Supervisor or Director of Studies can recommend approval for your study by the LREC. If your Director of Studies recommends approval of your project they will refer it to the LREC who will review your project and decide whether to grant ethical approval, request revisions, reject the application or refer it to the School level group for review. The LREC will review your project and then decide to approve it, ask for revisions or pass it on for review by the School level group. If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 3, your project will be considered for ethical approval by an appropriate LREC. The LREC will review your project and then decide to approve it, ask for revisions or pass it on for review by the School level group. Q23 Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Students If your study has been provisionally classified as Risk Category 3, you should consult with your Research Supervisor immediately as it is unlikely you will be able to proceed and you should negotiate a project that is of lower risk. However, if you have already discussed the project with your Supervisor and they have agreed that a case for approval is warranted, proceed in line with the details above for Research Students. If question 23 has been answered yes, your application will be reviewed by the Chair of the University Research Ethics Sub-committee. The answer does not affect the Risk Category. 4

11 8. What happens after submitting my application? For all applications submitted to LRECs or the School level group, if adequate information has been submitted the application will be reviewed and you will be notified with a decision as soon as possible. The decisions are categorised as follows: Decision Approved Details The application is satisfactory and needs no amendment. The researcher can commence data collection. The LREC, the School level group or the University Research Ethics Sub-committee may give recommendations or comments for consideration by the applicant. Revisions required Revisions required : these could include, e.g., Providing more information. Submitting further supporting documentation. Revising responses to the questions in order to answer any queries of the reviewer/s. Clarifying processes not clear to the reviewer/s. Where details of primary/major aspects of the study to be reviewed have not been submitted or are present in supporting documentation but not mentioned in the application, or these is a substantial amount of information missing. Where there are no or insufficient details regarding recruitment. Where the aims/purpose of the study and the methodology/data analysis are not fully understandable. Where there is no Participant Information Sheet and/or consent form; where the Information Sheet or consent form is not understandable to its target participants; or the Information Sheet and/or consent form do not contain key information for the participants. When a project should have been submitted to an NHS or other external Research Ethics Committee first for approval. For projects considered by School level group, applicants will normally have the opportunity of one further submission only. Once the revisions have been submitted, the project can be approved (with or without recommendations/comments) or may be rejected if the revisions are not satisfactory, and the project remains ethically unsound. Rejected The study is deemed unethical and a resubmission is not allowed (this may be after an application has been submitted twice). 9. Making changes to approved studies Further approval may be required if you wish to make significant changes to an approved study, and you must consult with your Research Supervisor (for student applicants) or LREC (for staff applicants), in case a revised application should be submitted. 5

12 10. Research ethics protocols Following the introduction of the University Research Ethics Policy and Research Ethics Procedures, schools have been asked to develop (short) ethical guidance which is specific to their areas of teaching and expertise. It is hoped that this will form a reference point for staff when advising students on their research projects. Protocols can also be produced for: Areas or topics which regularly raise queries in the School which are not addressed specifically in the Research Ethics Policy or the Research Ethics Procedures. Commonly occurring situations, such as research with children or young people in some subject areas, or research involving a physical intervention, so the applicant can confirm that there is an approved protocol that appropriately covers the ethical issues raised by their research, so allowing for local rather than school level approval. Protocols should result in approval processes that are robust and research which adheres to the University Research Ethics Policy. If a protocol has been used for a research project, reference must be made to this in the application. 11. Learned Societies The Research Ethics Policy (A2.4.3) states that researchers must ensure their proposed research projects follow the ethical guidelines of an appropriate learned society recognised by their School. Schools are responsible for identifying appropriate learned societies with ethical guidelines. During the application process you will be asked to name the appropriate learned society for the project. Your Supervisor (for student applicants) or LREC (for staff applicants) will be able to advise you on your School list. 12. Insurance and indemnity cover While insurance and indemnity cover is in place for University student and staff research projects based in the UK that receive ethical approval, some projects will require individual confirmation of cover from the University s Insurance & Risk Officer before data collection commences. These projects would include clinical trials, projects involving an invasive procedures and certain projects undertaken outside of the UK (see Guidance Appendix E for more details of these projects). These should be discussed with the Insurance & Risk Officer prior to submission of the research ethics application and confirmation of cover should be included in the supporting documentation. Please note: A project is required to have the appropriate level ethical approval confirmation before any data collection commences in order to have insurance and indemnity cover (retrospective approval is not allowed). It is not ethical to carry out research without insurance and indemnity cover. 13. Risk assessments Some types of research projects may require a risk assessment to consider health and safety issues (the risk assessment should not be confused with the Risk Checklist for research ethics). Risk assessment is the responsibility of your subject area and you need to be aware of what your subject area s requirements are. 6

13 If the conduct of research puts participants and/or the researcher at risk then an appropriate risk assessment must be undertaken before data collection commences and this must show that risks are being managed effectively. If your project involves any of the following, you would normally need to undertake a risk assessment before commencing data collection (these are examples and not a definitive list): If the study places the participants or researcher at any risk greater than that encountered in their daily life (e.g., research work undertaken alone or off campus); Data collection outside of the country where the student is enrolled; The administration of food substances; Invasive procedures, or physical or psychological interventions. When you do submit a risk assessment form with your research ethics application, this should have been reviewed and approved by your Research Supervisor or Director of Studies. Please note that although you may produce a risk assessment in support of your application for research ethics, the granting of ethical approval does not constitute confirmation that you are fully compliant with the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation. You should make further checks with those who are competent to make such judgements to ensure that this is the case. If you have any queries about this, please contact your School Safety Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator. 7

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15 14. Summary of the ethical approval process for students and staff applications STUDENT APPLICATIONS Risk Category 1 project Risk Category 2 project Risk Category 3 project Security-sensitive project Risk Category 1, 2 or 3 Research Supervisor/ DoS: Approves; Revisions required; or Rejects Research Supervisor/DoS: Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to LREC for approval Research Supervisor/DoS: Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to LREC for approval If Risk Checklist Q23 is answered yes, the application is reviewed by the University Research Ethics Subcommittee s Chair Abbreviations DoS: Director of Studies LREC: Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator URESC: University Research Ethics Sub- Committee (for appeals or also projects can be referred to URESC when the School level group cannot agree on a decision or for complex institutional issues) LREC: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to the School level group for approval School level group: Approves; Revisions required; or Rejects LREC: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to the School level group for approval School level group: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers to URESC URESC Chair: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects 9

16 STAFF APPLICATIONS Risk Category 1 project Risk Category 2 project Risk Category 3 project Security-sensitive project Risk Category 1, 2 or 3 LREC usually approves as confirmation that the risk category is correct LREC: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to the School level group for approval LREC: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers project to School level group for approval If Risk Checklist Q23 is answered yes, the application is reviewed by the University Research Ethics Subcommittee s Chair Abbreviations LREC: Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator URESC: University Research Ethics Sub- Committee (for appeals or also projects can be referred to URESC when the School level group cannot agree on a decision or for complex institutional issues) School level group: Approves; Revisions required; or Rejects School level group: Approves; Revisions required; Rejects; or Refers to URESC URESC Chair: Approves; Revisions required; or Rejects 10

17 GUIDANCE APPENDICES 11

18 A. Data security, records management and data retention For all projects, see the Research Ethics Policy section A3.3 regarding data storage and retention. The following points should be considered in research ethics applications. Data security and records management The researcher needs to make reference to their duties under the Data Protection Act Has the processing of the data been considered and has the issue of the sensitivity of the data been considered in relation both to data protection and general lawfulness? What steps will be taken to ensure the confidentiality and/or anonymity of personal information? Give details of anonymisation procedures and of physical and technical security measures. Any identifying data need to be removed in addition to names. Personal data held on mobile devices must be encrypted. Who will have access to personal information relating to the study? Confirm that any necessary wider disclosures of personal information (e.g., to the Research Supervisor, translators, transcribers, etc) have been properly explained to participants. The student or staff researcher (and for student projects, the Research Supervisor) must take responsibility for ensuring appropriate storage and security for project information including research data, consent forms and administrative records and, where appropriate, confirm the necessary arrangements will be made in order to process copyright material lawfully. Provide a specific location at which research data will be stored during the project. Data retention What provisions have been considered for the secure retention of sensitive or personal data? State how long study information including research data, consent forms and administrative records will be retained, what format the information will be kept in and where the data will be stored. Any personally identifiable data that is held on any mobile device should be encrypted. This includes data stored on USB memory sticks, laptop/netbooks, pcs, smart phones, servers and s. Where results are collected individually, but the outcomes are anonymised, what data protection procedures are in place to ensure the protection of personal details and at what point and how will these be destroyed? A web link will be provided here to the University s Records Retention Schedule when this is finalised. Data Protection Act 1998 and sensitive personal data To ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 participants must be informed about what information will be held about them and who will have access to personal, identifiable information. For sensitive personal data, participants must provide consent with the following statement on the consent form: I consent to the processing of my personal information for the purposes explained to me. I understand that such information will be treated in accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act

19 The Act classifies sensitive personal data as consisting of information to the following: data relating to a person s racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; physical or mental health condition; sexual life; religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature; membership of a trade union; any proceeding for any offence committed or alleged to have been committed by the participant. Data Protection Act 1998: University Data Protection Policy: 13

20 B. Research with children and young people ALL research with young people below the age of 16 years must be discussed with your Research Supervisor or Director of Studies in the first instance (who will then discuss this with a Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator) (student applicants), or the LREC (staff applicants), prior to completion of the Risk Checklist. For research involving child participants the researcher must always ensure that the best interests of the person is the primary concern. Researchers must consider the following issues: children have the right to be properly informed and where possible, their fully informed consent must be obtained and checked as appropriate throughout the research study. It is recognised that whether a child under the age of 16 is considered as vulnerable depends on several factors such as the child s circumstances, their susceptibility to coercion or feelings of obligation, the type of research being undertaken and how the research is being undertaken. Researchers must therefore take all of these factors into consideration when assessing whether child participants under the age of 16 should be deemed as vulnerable and thus whether they need to tick yes or no on the Risk Checklist. In situations where a child is too immature or vulnerable to give such consent or where any other circumstances may limit the extent to which this can be obtained from him or her, the researcher must seek the support and approval of those who are caring for the child (assent should be obtained from younger children as appropriate). Any legal requirements in relation to those responsible for the child must be adhered to. Also steps must be taken to put such individuals or organisations at their ease. If any distress occurs, the research process must immediately be halted. It is therefore recognised that some research studies with young people will require consideration at school level and others may not. Careful consideration of projects involving young people remains a key requirement of the ethics procedures and LRECs have the discretion to make decisions on what level of approval is required on a project by project basis. Schools are empowered to produce school-specific protocols for research involving children and young people, which take into account different local factors, such as students on courses providing a professional qualification related to under 16 year olds. For all projects involving children and young people, researchers are recommended to refer to the guidance for researchers produced by the National Children s Bureau, which can be found in the research section of the NCB website: 14

21 C. Research that may cause physical or psychological harm or negative consequences Any study that may cause harm to the participants or researchers because they are conducting the research study must be carefully considered in the first instance by an appropriate Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator. LRECs will take into account the context in which the research is being out, for example, the specific nature of the study, who the participants are and the experience and expertise of the research team. Physical harm and psychological harm might be related to procedures such as: MRI scans or ultrasound If your study involves medical imaging techniques such as MRI scans or ultrasound, then you should consider the additional ethical implications of such procedures. This includes the safety implications of your chosen scanning technique and the potential for distress due to the scanning procedure itself. Use of ionising radiation Research projects involving ionising radiation exposure to participants must be conducted in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures under Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 IR(ME)R. All research studies conducted in the UK that involve exposure to ionising radiation (e.g., diagnostic X-rays, CT scans, DXA scans, Radiotherapy and Radionuclide imaging) or the administration of radioactive substances must be ethically reviewed by an NHS Research Ethics Committee (see the Guidance appendix on the National Research Ethics Service and NHS Research Ethics Committees). If participants will be exposed to ionising radiation, separate approval documentation must be submitted with the application. This can be downloaded from the Research Ethics web page. Psychological stress, humiliation or negative consequences Examples of procedures that might fall into this category include: discussing past traumatic events with a participant that could potentially induce flashbacks or deterioration in mental health; interventions designed to alter or investigate self-harming behaviours or negative self-image; the potential for disclosures being made to friends/family of the participants. Research in sensitive areas Examples of sensitive areas might include: studies which investigate children s understanding or experiences of sexual activity; research into criminal or illicit activity, e.g. drug use or sex working. Note that there are separate procedures for research in securitysensitive areas. Insurance and indemnity cover for projects that may cause harm Projects that may cause harm or negative consequences may require individual insurance and indemnity cover confirmation check if in doubt with the Insurance & Risk Officer. 15

22 D. Research that involves intrusive or invasive procedures Use intrusive or invasive procedures: Any study that involves intrusive or invasive procedures must be carefully considered in the first instance by an appropriate Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator. They will decide if the application needs to be considered at school level. Giving food or food based products or legal substances in recommended doses are not considered as an intrusive or invasive procedure and are normally Category 2 risk. Physically invasive procedures If your study involves the use of human tissue, please seek guidance and check whether your study requires approval from an NHS Research Ethics Committee. Note: The University does not currently have a licence for storage of human tissue, so it is crucial that guidance is obtained prior to applying for ethical approval for any study that involves the collection, storage and analysis of any form of human tissue. Moderately invasive procedures include the following routine procedures for trained researchers working under appropriate conditions: taking less than 40ml blood, collecting bodily waste, and taking cheek swabs. It is expected that simple measures will be taken to manage the sorts of risks presented by these types of procedures which are likely to be standard processes routinely used in specific parts of the University. The researcher will be expected to detail measures taken within the application for ethical approval and the participant information sheet. It is expected that safety (including exclusion criteria), storage, potential for pain, discomfort or embarrassment, and procedures for dealing with adverse effects will be covered. More invasive, intrusive or potentially harmful procedures which are not routinely undertaken must be identified for all such complex projects. Example procedures include muscle biopsies, taking more than 40ml of blood during the course of the study and electrical stimulation. Some techniques may be covered by normal risk management procedures within faculties, while others may require special management procedures to be agreed within the School (in which case these should be detailed within the application). Insurance and indemnity cover for projects involving invasive procedures Projects involving invasive procedures may require individual insurance and indemnity cover confirmation check with the Insurance & Risk Officer. 16

23 E. Location of research Where the researcher is based at the University but conducting research outside of the UK, or in the case of collaborative research with international institutions, the researcher should, where possible, refer to international guidelines for the country where the research is being carried out in addition to applying for approval within the University. In cases where ethical or legal permissions are required from local organisations or gatekeepers, it is the researcher s responsibility to ensure that these have been obtained prior to commencing the study. For the research ethics application, the following information must be included: Is the proposal in accordance with the laws of the country/countries in which it is proposed that the investigation will take place? Does this include compliance with local laws on Data Protection and Intellectual Property? Specific details will be required to assure the reviewer/s that this has been done with due diligence. The International Compilation of Human Subject Research Protections The International Compilation of Human Research Standards was compiled by the Office Human Research Protections, United States Department of Health and Human Services and gives listings for Research Ethics Committees in over 100 countries. Insurance and Indemnity Cover and research outside of the UK Research conducted outside of the UK that has received research ethical approval in the University, is covered by the University s worldwide Public Liability policy. However, certain invasive research such as healthcare or therapy may need to be agreed by the University s Insurance and Risk Officer to ensure no further endorsement to the policy is required, especially in North America, or that Professional Indemnity is not required. Further, should the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise only essential or against all travel to a specific destination, our Travel and Injury policy may not cover you and your project and you should discuss with the Insurance and Risk Officer, Martin Watson, m.watson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, ext

24 F. Research, audit, service evaluations and secondary data analysis and ethical approval When is ethical approval required? The University requires all research projects undertaken by staff or students to undergo ethical review. Sometimes an external funder, participating organisation or other body involved in the study may require evidence of ethical approval as a condition of their collaboration (even when the study is not deemed to be research). When this is the case you should contact your LREC so they can advise on requirements. What is the definition of research? While there is no universally agreed definition of research we have chosen to use the following definition: Research is a form of disciplined enquiry which aims to contribute to a body of knowledge or theory. This does not normally extend to general coursework assignments, but does apply to final year undergraduate dissertations or projects. Audit Audit is defined as assessing the level of service being provided against a set of predetermined standards. This generally involves analysing existing data with results usually being used/ distributed locally in order to effect change to improve/change the level of service currently being provided. Such audits do not generally require ethical approval, but if you are not sure seek guidance from a Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator. Service evaluation Service evaluation is undertaken to benefit those who use a particular service and is designed and conducted solely to define or judge current service. Participants will normally be those who use the service or deliver it. It involves an intervention where there is no change to the standard service being delivered (e.g., no randomization of service users into different groups). These may not require ethical approval. Secondary analysis of service evaluations data It is possible to use data collected from participants during a service evaluation that did not receive ethical approval or a completed research study that did receive appropriate ethical approval for later research in the form of secondary analysis as long as: The data is completely anonymous when provided to the researcher It is not possible to identify participants from any resulting report Use of the data will not cause damage and distress Secondary analysis of existing data sets is therefore a possibility for undergraduate student major independent studies. However, if you are unsure whether you may require ethical approval because of the nature of the data please check with your Supervisor if you are a student, or an LREC, if you are a member of staff. Summary Ideally all projects should be logged on the online application system audits and service evaluations may fall into Risk Category 1 depending on your answers to the checklist questions. 18

25 G. Health Research Authority / NHS Research Ethics Committees Some projects may be required to comply with ethical requirements from an NHS Research Ethics Committee and/or require NHS R&D permissions. If researchers are uncertain, or need guidance on how to do this, they are advised to check the specific guidance on the above links, or consult an appropriate LREC with the relevant experience in their School. Approval within the University Once ethical approval has been received, the project will require ethical approval in the University. Compliance with the requirements of the NHS Research Ethics Committee, with submission of the associated application documentation to that Committee and letter of approval, together with a covering letter outlining compliance with associated issues within the University (e.g., governance, consents and permissions, data storage, liability and insurance, risk assessment, etc.) may be sufficient in seeking approval within the University, but seek guidance on this for your particular project. Depending on the risks involved, the project may be approved by the LREC or require school level approval. 19

26 H. Security-sensitive research The research ethics process has been expanded to include a declaration of research in security-sensitive areas, including terrorism. The general ethical justification for doing this is straightforward: unauthorised acquisition and use of security-sensitive information can carry risks to the public, and even legitimate researchers can be suspected of obtaining it and using it in ways that can be harmful, with costs to those researchers. Oversight helps to prevent both kinds of harm. To declare as a student or member of academic staff that one is using security-sensitive information is in keeping with openness in research, and helps to reduce misidentifications of information-gathering as suspect or criminal. If question 23 on the Risk Checklist has been answered yes, the researcher must complete and submit with the online ethics application a supplementary document, the Securitysensitive research form, available on the Research Ethics web page. These projects will be reviewed by the Chair of the University Research Ethics Subcommittee. This process is based on the guidance provided by Universities UK in Oversight of securitysensitive research material in UK Universities guidance (2012). rial.aspx#.vtbjtk3cuuk 20

27 I. Guidance for completing your application Please read through these guidelines carefully before completing your application. Failure to complete the relevant sections of the application adequately will delay your project. The Risk Checklist is the first stage in gaining ethical approval for your research study. It will assist you and those reviewing your study in identifying the level of risk and the associated ethical issues presented by your project. If you answer NO to all the risk questions, your study is considered to be low risk with no major ethical issues to address and will be classed as Risk Category 1. When you tick YES to any item in the Risk Checklist that you will then need to complete the resulting questions (the online system will guide you through the process) and explain how you intend to manage the risks involved in the study. RISK CHECKLIST WILL YOUR RESEARCH STUDY..? 1 Involve direct and/or indirect contact with human participants? 2 Involve analysis of preexisting data which contains personal or sensitive information not in the public domain? 3 Require permission or consent to conduct? Help This includes where you talk to people, interview them, take measurements from them, have them complete questionnaires, access information about them, etc. Pre-existing data sources include interview transcripts, questionnaires, census data, etc. If these are not freely available in the public domain AND if they contain personal information (eg, names, locations, etc.) or sensitive data (eg, health conditions, religious beliefs, etc.) then studies including this information will be categorised as Risk Category 2 or 3. Please note there is minimal risk involved (Risk Category 1) when using data from secondary sources, eg, books, journal articles, etc., which are already in the public domain. If research involves primary data collection with human participants then their permission or consent must normally be obtained prior to them taking part in the study. Informed consent means that research participants must be made fully aware of the purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what their participation in the research entails and what risks, if any, are involved. To do this you will usually be expected to produce a Participant Information Sheet plus a consent form for them to agree to participate in the research. If your study only uses data sources which are already in the public domain you will not need to ask anyone for permission to access the data sets or records of information. 21

28 4 Require permission or consent to publish? 5 Have a risk of compromising confidentiality? 6 Have a risk of compromising anonymity? 7 Collect / contain sensitive personal data? If you intend to publish the findings from your study (eg, in a research report or journal article) you may require permission or informed consent to do so. For example, if your research has been commissioned by an external body, they may want prior approval before publication. Also, if the research involves human participants, they may wish to approve the content prior to publication. However, there are no constraints on you in terms of publishing your research if the information you have evaluated is publicly available to everyone for free. Confidentiality is concerned with who has the right of access to the data provided by participants. All research studies should ensure the confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects. If your research study is likely to contain confidential information which is NOT already in the public domain, then there is a risk associated with this. Also, consider if there are limits to confidentiality and if you are required to disclose (unsought) information given to you by a participant during the research process for professional body or legal reasons. Anonymity refers to concealing the identities of participants in outputs from the research. All research studies should ensure the anonymity of respondents is respected (unless it specifically states that the research will not be anonymous and the research participant agrees to this). Therefore, if your study includes contact with named participants there could be a risk to anonymity. The presumption is that, because information about these matters could be used in a discriminatory way, and is likely to be of a private nature, it needs to be treated with greater care than other personal data. In general, sensitive personal data usually refers to any information that, if disclosed, could cause upset either to individuals, groups or organisations. The Data Protection Act 1988 includes the following categories of information that could be deemed as sensitive : data relating to a person s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, physical or mental health condition, sexual life, religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature, or membership of a trade union. Other types of sensitive data could include information related to criminal activity or law breaking, eg, drug use, etc. 22

29 8 Contain elements which you OR your Supervisor are NOT trained to conduct? 9 Use any information OTHER than that which is freely available in the public domain? 10 Involve respondents to the internet or other visual/vocal methods where participants may be identified? 11 Include a financial incentive to participate in the research? 12 Involve your own students, colleagues or employees? 13 Take place outside of the country where you are enrolled as a student, or for staff, outside of the UK? 14 Involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or at risk? It is unethical to conduct badly designed or poorly analysed research projects so you should have the expertise to carry out your research study, or undertake the training necessary prior to starting, or work under the supervision of someone who has the expertise required for the study. If you or your Supervisor are NOT trained to carry out all of the elements of your research study then training will be required prior to data collection. Information which is freely available in the public domain includes that already published in research literature, the media or on the internet, etc. This would include internet research where visual images are used, and where sensitive issues are discussed and also research involving visual / vocal methods where participants or other individuals may be identifiable in the visual images used or generated. Consideration must be given when financial incentives, beyond payment of out of pocket expenses, are included in a research study and Local Research Ethics Co-ordinators will decide on the level of approval required. Due to concerns over coercion or feelings of obligation, projects involving staff conducting research with their own students or a researcher wishing to include their colleagues or employees, will need careful consideration. Consideration will be needed on in-country ethical approval, risks for projects taking place off-campus, and possibly insurance and indemnity cover. If any of the participants need special consideration regarding issues of informed consent and/or there is potential for perceived pressure to participate, the research study may be classified as Risk Category 3. If you consider that any of the participants could be particularly vulnerable or at risk, have a dependent relationship with members of the research team or the research organisation/s, or have particular difficulties with providing fully informed consent, the study will have a higher risk. For projects with participants under the age of 16, see the Guidance appendix for when these participants would be considered vulnerable. 23